Non-Competitive Games Using a Ball

Circle Games

• Have all players sit in a circle and place a small ball in the circle. Tell everyone the small ball represents a mouse. Players must use their legs and feet to guide the ̶0;mouse̶1; around the circle. After a few times, place a larger ball in the circle and tell the players it is a cat. The mouse has to move around the circle without the cat passing it. Another idea to have the players stand up and toss a ball around the circle. See how high they can count without dropping the ball. Alternatively, have them pass the ball by bumping it with their arms like in volleyball.

Tossing Games

• Play a game of catch using a variety of balls. Players can toss a football back and forth. Have the players get into partners. Give one player a ball, such as a tennis ball or football, and have the other player point to where he wants his partner to toss the ball. The player must try to catch the ball. Players can take turns tossing and catching the balls. Another idea is to have the players test how far they can throw the ball to one another without dropping it. Tell them to keep trying to beat their farthest throw.

Bowling Games

• Use random household items, such as shampoo and water bottles, as bowling pins. Players can try to knock down as many pins as possible by rolling a soft foam ball, when playing indoors. When playing outdoors, fill the bottles halfway full of sand and use a soccer ball. Another idea is to use pineapples as bowling pins and coconuts as bowling balls. Players can have fun bowling silly like through their legs, on one foot and backwards while trying to knock down the pins.

Juggling Games

• Give each player three balls to try to juggle. Soft foam balls are ideal for practice when learning how to juggle. For a group idea, ask the players to stand in a circle. Hand two or three players a ball. Tell the players to start tossing the balls around the circle. Every 15 seconds, toss another ball into the circle. Keep playing until a player drops a ball. Start over with three or four balls each time. Tell the players to try to beat the highest number of balls each time they play.